How to File an Injury or Damage Claim
Pursuant to RCW 4.96, a Tort Claim Form is necessary to file a claim for injury or damage against the Port of Tacoma and/or The Northwest Seaport Alliance. Details on the claim filing process and frequently asked questions are below.
Process for Filing a Claim:
- It is best to first verify that Port of Tacoma and/or The Northwest Seaport Alliance is the appropriate party to file your claim against. If your claim is in relation to a different agency, submission to the Port of Tacoma/Northwest Seaport Alliance may cause a delay.
- Download the Tort Claim Form Packet (PDF) or email Sara Kern at skern@portoftacoma.com for a copy.
- Refer to the Tort Claim Form Instructions provided within the packet.
- Type or print clearly in ink and sign the Tort Claim Form.
- If the requested information cannot be supplied in the space provided, please use additional pages to complete the Tort Claim Form.
- If you are presenting a personal injury claim, please sign and attach the Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information provided within the packet.
- It is to your advantage to present your claim with all relevant documents. Provide all requested information and any available evidence supporting your claim, such as medical records or bills for personal injuries, photographs, proof of ownership for property damage, receipts for repairs, wage loss information, and other documentation as appropriate.
- Some of the information on this form as well as any supporting documents may be subject to public disclosure under the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56).
Tort Claim Forms can be sent via e-mail to skern@portoftacoma.com (preferred method) OR the Tort Claim Form and supporting documents can be mailed to:
Attention: Sara Kern
Port of Tacoma/Northwest Seaport Alliance
P.O Box 1837
Tacoma, WA 98401
OR, hand-delivered by appointment only to:
Sara Kern (authorized agent)
Port of Tacoma/Northwest Seaport Alliance
One Sitcum Plaza
Tacoma, WA 98421
Please call Sara Kern at 253-888-4761 to schedule your hand delivery.
Our offices are closed on weekends and holidays. Standard Business Hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 – 4:00 PM, however, your hand delivery must be scheduled in advance.
After you submit the completed Tort Claim Form
- Risk Management will confirm receipt.
- Your claim will be investigated.
- Risk Management may ask for additional documents as part of the investigation. This evaluation can take up to 60 days or more, depending on the nature of your claim.
- Risk Management’s review may result in a settlement, denial, or tender to a third party. A final determination will be communicated to you.
Service of Process
The authorized representative to receive service of process for the Port of Tacoma is Executive Director Eric Johnson or his delegate. The authorized representative to receive service of process for The Northwest Seaport Alliance is Chief Executive Officer John Wolfe or his delegate. Service of process should be directed to the following address:
Port of Tacoma/Northwest Seaport Alliance
One Sitcum Plaza
Tacoma, WA 98421
Standard Business Hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 – 4:00 PM. However, your delivery must be scheduled in advance.
A courtesy copy of any Service of Process for the Port of Tacoma/Northwest Seaport Alliance should also be sent electronically to counsel, as follows:
For the Northwest Seaport Alliance: General Counsel Dana Henderson, dhenderson@nwseaportalliance.com
For the Port of Tacoma: General Counsel Heather Burgess, hburgess@dfpblaw.com
Please copy the Risk Manager, Sara Kern skern@portoftacoma.com on the above courtesy copies sent to counsel. Please note that these are courtesy copies only and should not be considered effective for service of process.